Fruitful Living
Jumma Khutbah: ‘Rights and Responsibilities in Marriage under Islamic and Ghanaian Law’
Praising Allah and Sending Salutations on the Prophet (PBUH):
Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah, the Most Merciful, the All- Wise, Who created us in pairs so we may find tranquility in one another. We send blessings and peace upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who has provided us with the best guidance for our lives, including the sacred institution of marriage.
Introduction
Servants of Allah, today’s khutbah is dedicated to the institution of marriage in Islam Part 2—an institution that goes beyond a mere contract. Marriage is a spiritual union and a path through which we fulfill half of our faith. It fosters unity, provides solace, and builds the foundation for a righteous family and society. The renowned scholars, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz (RA) and Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen (RA), underscore the importance of marriage in Islam, emphasising that it protects one’s faith, upholds moral boundaries, and nurtures family values. As Sheikh Ibn Baz rightly observed, “Marriage is not only a safeguard for one’s soul but also a fortress for the family and society.”
Today, we will explore the rights and responsibilities in marriage, examine the importance of consent, and discuss the role of legal frameworks in Ghana that protect and honor these principles, ensuring that marriage in Islam is truly a pillar of faith.
Islamic Teachings on Spousal Rights: Insights from Surah Al-Baqarah
Servants of Allah, the Qur’an provides comprehensive guidance on the roles and responsibilities of spouses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (SWT) sets forth principles to create a balanced relationship based on kindness and justice. Allah states:
“And mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period]. Upon the father is their provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity…” (Qur’an 2:233).
This verse emphasises that both parents share responsibilities in raising children. While the mother cares for the child through nursing, the father’s role is to provide financial support. This mutual responsibility fosters a supportive family environment where both parents contribute to the child’s well-being.
Moreover, Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen explained that these roles highlight Islam’s balanced approach to family life, assigning each spouse responsibilities that cater to their unique strengths, yet allowing flexibility for circumstances. In the case where either spouse is unable to fulfill their role, mutual support and understanding are encouraged to uphold family harmony.
The Farewell Sermon: The Prophet’s (PBUH) Guidance on Spousal Rights
In the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Farewell Sermon delivered during his last pilgrimage, he spoke about the essential rights and duties of spouses, urging mutual respect and compassion:
“O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. So, treat them with kindness and respect.”
The Prophet (PBUH) further warned men, saying, “Fear Allah in respect of women, for you have taken them [in marriage] with the trust of Allah.” He reminded that on the Day of Judgment, Allah would hold men accountable for their treatment of their wives. This reminder is profound, highlighting that marriage is a trust from Allah, and mistreatment or neglect of this responsibility will lead to accountability before Allah.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai – 1BN Michel Camp, Tema
Fruitful Living
The Maqāṣid al-Sharī’ah: The Islamic framework for addressing contemporary social challenges
In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. We send peace and blessings upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his family, his companions, and all those who stand for justice until the Day of Judgment.
Introduction
We live in an era of rapid social transformation. Technological advancement, urbanization, changing family structures, health crises, unemployment, moral decadence, drug abuse, cybercrime, and weakening social bonds have created enormous challenges for Muslim communities across the world. The Muslim Ummah in Ghana is not immune to these realities.
Islam is not merely a religion of rituals. Islam provides guidance for every aspect of life— spiritual, social, economic, educational, political and health-related.
Allah said in the holy Quran “We have neglected nothing in the Book.” (Qur’an 6:38).
Before discussing the practical challenges facing our communities today, it is important to understand that Islamic law was revealed to achieve specific objectives known as Maqāṣid al-Sharī’ah (The Higher Objectives of Islamic Law).
The great scholar, Imam Abu Ishaq al-Shatibi, explained that all Islamic laws aim at securing benefit (Maslahah) and preventing harm (Mafsadah).
The scholars have summarized these objectives into five fundamental necessities known as:
Hifz ad-Din (Protection of Religion)
Islam seeks to preserve faith, worship, Islamic identity and moral values.
Allah said, “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me.”
(Qur’an 51:56)
Therefore, strengthening Islamic education, supporting the mosque, preserving family values, and protecting the next generation from immoral influences are all means of preserving the Islamic religion identity.
Today, social media abuse, drug addiction, pornography, cybercrime, and moral decay threaten the faith of many Muslim youth. The Muslim Ummah must equip itself with sound Islamic knowledge to preserve its religious identity.
Hifz an-Nafs (Protection of Life)
One of the greatest objectives of Islam is the preservation of human life.”And do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is Most Merciful to you.” (Qur’an 4:29)
This objective forms the basis for:
• Public health programmes
• Vaccination campaigns
• NHIS registration
• Hospital care
• Disease prevention
• Environmental sanitation
• Road safety
• Maternal and child healthcare
Every effort to save lives is an act of worship.
“Whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.” (Qur’an 5:32)
Hifz al-‘Aql (Protection of Intellect) ( part 2)
Islam seeks to protect the human mind because the intellect distinguishes human beings from other creatures.
Allah repeatedly commands: “Will you not then use your reason?” (Repeated throughout the Qur’an)
This objective requires:
• Quality education
• Literacy
• Critical thinking
• Professional development
• Protection from drugs and intoxicants
The growing menace of narcotics, alcohol abuse, cyber fraud, and gambling among some youth threatens the intellect and future of our communities.
By • Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author
Throughout the Old Testament, God’s presence was associated with a particular location the Tabernacle and later the Temple. These sacred places represented the meeting point between heaven and earth.
But Pentecost changed everything
When the wind and fire entered the house where the disciples were gathered, God was revealing a new reality. His presence would no longer be confined to a building made by human hands.
The Temple was no longer merely a structure in Jerusalem.
The Temple had become a community of believers.
Every follower of Jesus would now become a dwelling place of God through the Holy Spirit.
This was a revolutionary truth. The overlap between heaven and earth was no longer limited to one geographical location. Wherever believers gathered and wherever the Spirit dwelt, God’s presence was manifested.
As the Apostle Paul later wrote: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
Gods desire to dwell with his people
From the very beginning, God’s desire has always been to live among His people.
We see this desire in:
- The Garden of Eden
- The Tabernacle
- The Temple
Yet sin continually created separation between God and humanity. A holy God could not fully dwell among a sinful people without judgment.
But Jesus made a way.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus dealt with the problem of sin once and for all.
John beautifully describes this truth: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Because of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God. The Holy Spirit can now live within believers, making us the new temple of God.
To be continued!
Stay blessed!
Please note that the preaching programme on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories.
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
